This week’s question is a simple one: What was your favorite song of 2012?

Jason HellerI gave Researching The Blues, the latest album by L.A. punk survivor Redd Kross, a decent grade in my A.V. Clubreview back in August. But if I’d only been judging the album’s best song, “Stay Away From Downtown,” it would have blown the top off the grading scale. Immaculately crafted, leanly muscled, and sparkling with jangle, the instant power-pop anthem sums up everything the McDonald brothers have been aiming for with Redd Kross since the band’s 1982 debut,Born Innocent. The McDonalds aren’t kids anymore, but they bottle the lightning of wild-in-the-streets youth in “Stay Away From Downtown.” The song’s euphoric, Kiss-adoring video doesn’t hurt.

December European tour dates for Redd Kross have now been locked down, no additional dates will be added this time out, so if you want to be sure to see the band live, please plan a trip to the closest show near you. London show has SOLD OUT … so don’t procrastinate!

For those of you looking for a memorable New Year’s Eve, Redd Kross will perform with The Melvins (for the first time ever!) in Los Angeles. This will be a very special event, hosted by Rodney Bingenheimer & we’re planning some surprises.

Redd Kross is also heading back down under in March for the Golden Plains Festival, some shows with Dinosaur Jr. and a side show in Melbourne.

Dates and ticket links below, looking forward to seeing you in the front row!

Visit your local record stores to grab the remaining copies of “Researching The Blues” on 12″ vinyl … because it’s SOLD OUT! Thank you fans everywhere for making that happen so fast! More details TBA about additional pressings.